My thoughts on the Pilot Kakuno 🧐

You know, that little smiley face design on the Pilot Kakuno nib? It's seriously one of the cutest features on a fountain pen! When I first saw it up close (just like in some of those photos!), it instantly made me smile. It's not just for aesthetics though; it's a little reminder of the joy of writing. I find it especially charming when I'm sketching or jotting down notes. It's a small detail, but it really adds to the pen's character, making it feel less intimidating for beginners. Speaking of nibs, my clear barrel Kakuno has a medium (M) nib, which I found wonderfully smooth for daily journaling in my Midori MD notebook. But for those of you who prefer a finer line, the Kakuno also comes in fine (F) and extra-fine (EF) options. A fine nib is fantastic for detailed work or if you write really small, while an extra-fine can be great for fitting more words on a page. I’ve heard friends rave about the crispness of the fine nib, especially if you're using it for planners or detailed sketches where every stroke counts. It really changes the writing experience depending on your preference! My original post briefly showed how I clean my Kakuno, but let me share a few more tips, especially since we talked about ink drying out. After detaching the ink cartridge, I always make sure to rinse the feed thoroughly. If you have a stubborn ink, warm (not hot!) water can sometimes help dissolve it faster. For a really deep clean, an ultrasonic cleaner can work wonders, but simple soaking and flushing with a bulb syringe (if you have one) is usually enough. And yes, using a converter like the Pilot con-40 (which I eventually got!) makes flushing so much easier than constantly inserting and removing cartridges. Don't forget to let all the parts air dry completely before reassembling; moisture can cause issues. I usually leave mine overnight. That 'dry writing' issue I mentioned? It's a common concern with some fountain pens, and while the Kakuno isn't perfectly airtight, there are ways to minimize it. Storing it horizontally can sometimes help keep the nib wet. Also, using a wetter ink might make a difference. I've experimented with a few different brands, and some inks definitely evaporate less quickly than others. If you're not using it for a few days, a quick flush and storing it clean might be best, as hard as it is to put your favorite pen away! If you're weighing your options, especially if you're curious about a 'Pilot Prera vs Kakuno' comparison, I'd say the Kakuno is a fantastic entry point. The Prera often feels a bit more premium with a snap cap and a slightly different aesthetic, but the Kakuno's value and the sheer joy of that smiley nib make it unbeatable for its price. Both offer great writing, but the Kakuno has that unique charm that just hooks you in!